Welcome

Well done is better than well said.
–Benjamin Franklin

2015 LECTURE SERIES: "A GUIDE'S VIEW OF PHILADELPHIA"

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On two consecutive weekends, March, 14-15 and March 21-22, 2015, we are very pleased to offer an intensive version of our annual highly successful series of lectures on Philadelphia history and architecture, called "A Guide's View of Philadelphia." This four day day workshop will include nine lectures at the Independence Visitor Center as well as walking and bus tours of the city and two tour guiding techniques workshops. It's a wonderful program for new guides, experienced guides who'd like a refresher or for anyone who loves Philadelphia and its history.

The Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides (APT) was founded in 2008 to bring professional and volunteer guides together, to act as a voice for our membership, and to ensure a high quality experience to every visitor to our city. APT, with a membership of over 200 as of December 2014, is a Pennsylvania non-profit organization.

APT knows that our city's tour guides take great pride in the services they provide both visitors and local residents in exploring the rich historical, architectural and cultural resources of Philadelphia.

If you're a Philadelphia tour guide or are involved in the city's tourism industry, APT has a lot to offer you. In addition to individual membership, APT now offers a Corporate Associate Membership for corporations and organizations. See our Membership page and our Supporters and Benefits page for information on APT membership levels and perks.

MEETINGS

APT members usually meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm. See "NEXT MEETING" on this page, left, for the date, time and place. Each meeting begins with a presentation by a guest speaker on topics ranging from 18th century clothing to current issues and concerns.

You're welcome to join us anytime for convivial company, good food, fascinating presentations and lively discussions. We encourage you to drop by up to two times as our guest. After that, if you'd like to attend meetings and talks, we ask that you either become a member, or make a donation of $10 per lecture.

To learn about other APT special events, workshops and speakers, see "UPCOMING" on this page, left.

Betsy Ross welcomes APT members to her home and shop

APT PHILADELPHIA TOUR GUIDE CERTIFICATIONS

In 2011, APT began testing and certifying Philadelphia tour guides for basic knowledge of Philadelphia history, people and sites. As of February, 2015, APT has certified 158 men and women for guiding in the city of Philadelphia.

The next APT Certification Exam will be Saturday, March 28, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Independence Visitor Center, Liberty View Ballroom on the mezzanine level.

APT has also established a program to identify and certify Master Tour Guides. These are veteran guides who have progressed well beyond the level of basic competence, who can be depended upon to meet and exceed client expectations under any circumstances.

For more information about APT certification programs, or to apply for the Master Guide Program, visit the Certification page on this site.

THE TOUR GUIDES HANDBOOK

To promote high professional standards we have published a Tour Guides Handbook, an invaluable resource to anyone in the Philadelphia tourism industry.

For more information on the Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides Handbook and CD see the Handbook page, or purchase a copy at the APT Store.

TOUR GUIDE LIABILITY INSURANCE

Through our membership in the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations, APT is able to offer its members liability insurance with the Hartford Insurance Group at a low cost of $85 a year. You can download a FAQ or pay for insurance for 2015 at the APT Store.

FACEBOOK

Do you want up to the minute APT news, comments and insights? Have something to share? Visit APT on Facebook here. Worried about privacy? You don't even have to be a Facebook member to view our page.